If you’re a teacher in Kenya wondering about your maternity leave entitlements, you’re in the right place.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has made significant changes to maternity and paternity leave, ensuring teachers can now enjoy more time off with their families.
Maternity Leave Duration
As of July 2021, the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between TSC and teachers’ unions has increased maternity leave from 90 days to an impressive 120 days.
This means female teachers can now take four months’ maternity leave with full pay.
The increase in maternity leave is a welcome development for many, providing female teachers with more time to recover from childbirth and bond with their newborns.
Paternity Leave Duration
In addition to the extended maternity leave, male teachers have also benefited from an increase in paternity leave.
Under the new CBA, male teachers are entitled to 21 days of paternity leave with full pay.
This increase from the previous 14 days is a positive step towards recognizing the importance of fathers in the early stages of a child’s life.
Other Leave Entitlements
The new CBA also includes provisions for pre-adoptive leave.
Teachers seeking pre-adoptive time are now eligible for 45 calendar days with full pay from the date of adoption.
This provision acknowledges the unique circumstances of adoption and provides teachers with the necessary time to bond with their adopted child.
Leave Application Process
To streamline the leave application process, the TSC has migrated leave application services for teachers to an online platform.
The Human Resource Management Information System (HRMIS) Leave Module for teachers was implemented from November 1, 2021.
This online platform has made the leave application process more efficient, allowing teachers to apply for leave seamlessly.
In conclusion, the TSC has made significant improvements to maternity and paternity leave, ensuring that teachers can now enjoy more time off with their families.
The increase in maternity leave to 120 days and paternity leave to 21 days is a positive step towards supporting teachers in balancing their work and family responsibilities.
If you’re a teacher in Kenya, make sure you’re aware of your entitlements under the new CBA to ensure you can take full advantage of these benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About TSC Maternity Leave
1. How long is maternity leave for TSC teachers?
Maternity leave for TSC teachers has been increased to 120 calendar days with full pay, effective from the date of delivery.
2. When did the new maternity leave policy take effect?
The new maternity leave policy took effect from July 2021, as part of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between TSC and teachers’ unions.
3. What about paternity leave for male teachers?
Male teachers are entitled to 21 calendar days of paternity leave with full pay, once a year within the duration of the spouse’s maternity leave.
4. Are there any provisions for pre-adoptive leave?
Yes, teachers seeking pre-adoptive time are eligible for 45 calendar days with full pay from the date of adoption.
5. Can female teachers still take annual leave after maternity leave?
Yes, female teachers are entitled to their annual leave after maternity leave and will not forfeit it on account of having taken maternity leave.
6. How do I apply for maternity leave?
The TSC has migrated leave application services for teachers to an online platform.
Teachers can apply for maternity leave through the Human Resource Management Information System (HRMIS) Leave Module.
7. Are there any changes to the maternity leave process?
The online platform for leave application has made the process more efficient, allowing for seamless application and approval of maternity leave.
8. Can I take maternity leave if I am adopting a child?
Yes, under the new CBA, teachers seeking pre-adoptive time are eligible for 45 calendar days with full pay from the date of adoption.
9. Can male teachers take paternity leave if their spouse adopts a child?
Yes, male teachers are entitled to 21 calendar days of paternity leave with full pay, once a year within the duration of the spouse’s maternity leave, including adoption.
10. Is maternity leave only for biological mothers?
No, maternity leave is also available for adoptive mothers, as well as female teachers who become mothers through surrogacy.
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Mr. Weldon Kosgei, a dedicated educator with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) in Kenya, brings years of experience and a deep love for education to his role at TSCNewsToday.co.ke. He provides insightful and timely updates on TSC policies, educational trends, and best practices, making his articles valuable resources for educators and administrators. Mr. Kosgei’s commitment to enhancing education shines through in his writing, connecting and inspiring the teaching community across Kenya.
